I grew up in the Presbyterian church, where we sang choruses – simple, repetitive songs that were simple to learn and sing at Sunday School and a contrast to the rather somber songs sang during the church service.
John Bell as a Scottish Presbyterian also grew up with that influence as seen in this chorus he wrote. But being John Bell he is not going to leave at that – listen to the snippet at AOV to hear the harmonising he adds.
The instruction is to play brightly, so I’ve tried to do that. My backing is at 124 bpm and best used to learn the song then to sing without accompaniment.
Heaven and earth, join to worship your Creator!
Sing the the Lord, praise the One from whom you came. (rpt)
Sing a new song to the God who goes before us,
Making all new, leaving nobody the same. (rpt)
© WGRG, Iona Community, 1995.
http://www.iona.org.uk/wgrg_home.php